Image from MySpace

What’s the Deal: It’s unclear from the group’s MySpace whether or not they're still playing around town or even in existence, but a few songs recently came across the Le Diamant desk which warranted a little attention. They’re an indie rock, alt. pop group making their home in the 512. Their influences bounce around between so many bright, shiny noisemakers (Wilco, Neutral Milk Hotel, Golden Smog, Daivd Bowie, etc.) like a ball bearing chiming and clacking around in a pinball machine, that it’s no wonder their music is a little harder to quantify than most. One thing you can say is that their songs are moody and captivating. Whether by way of a solemn piano, clamoring dance rock tune or rhythm-heavy arrangements full of soul, CWK tunes are deeply felt and affecting.

On of the tracks off the group’s last EP, To The Park, that strikes the right chord almost instantly is “New Cologne.” The unemotional, spoken word style of the lyrics in the beginning on top of minimal, dismal, Pixies-ish rock builds in intensity as the verses pile up.

Something Interesting: The group’s website leads to nowhere. There are no signs of upcoming shows for the band. The last comment on their MySpace was posted in 2007. So, they are either broken up or in deep hiding. Either way, “New Cologne” is one pretty awesome song.

Other Tracks Worth Checking Out: “To The Park” & “The Boss”

Crawling With Kings MySpace

Image from MySpace

What’s the Deal: Although they don’t necessarily fit into mold of an up and coming Le Diamant band, Joan of Arc are definitely worthy of a write-up. Why? Because, chances are you’ve written the group off or forgotten all about them. They were kind of part of that whole emo/indie boom of the late 90s, and they may have gotten lost in the shuffle. There are those, however, who have been following the brothers Kinsella and the rest of Joan of Arc as they’ve wound through a multitude of releases of experimental and catchy indie rock since their beginning in the mid-'90s. And, for those who have remained faithful all these years, you probably need read no further. But, for those who have counted the group among the lost, you really should listen to the new track from their upcoming eleventh album, Boo Human.

The only track released thus far off the new record is called “A Tell-Tale Penis,” and it’s as curious and playful as the song title suggests. The soothing song begins with the sound of intricate, interwoven guitar strings plucking along with some very strategic piano tones as the lyrics are sung as calmly and softly-spoken as one can while talking about a penis. The song never rises beyond the levity of a springtime afternoon.

Something Interesting: Boo Human was made with a very communal feeling. It features different combinations of 14 musicians who have collaborated with groups like Wilco, Iron & Wine and Bonnie Prince Billy. Also, Joan of Arc is tied to other bands you might remember like Owls, Cap’n Jazz and American Football, to name a few.

Other Tracks Worth Checking Out: “9/11 2" & “Laughter Reflected Back”

Joan of Arc Official
Joan of Arc MySpace